Evoked Potential Eye Mask: Difference between revisions
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The most basic concept for an evoked potential device is that of a warm crackling fire: The calming effect of sitting in front of the fireplace, watching the flames flicker, hearing the crackles, and feeling the pulsing heat all in tune of the same rhythm. One of the reasons for this effect (not discounting the many other psychological associations, basic warmth, etc.) is [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evoked_potential Evoked Potential], the natural tendency of the brain to fire in sync with its sensory surroundings. Odds are that fire is flickering at a slow 4-12 Hz, the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theta_wave Theta] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alpha_waves Alpha] ranges associated with calm relaxation. | The most basic concept for an evoked potential device is that of a warm crackling fire: The calming effect of sitting in front of the fireplace, watching the flames flicker, hearing the crackles, and feeling the pulsing heat all in tune of the same rhythm. One of the reasons for this effect (not discounting the many other psychological associations, basic warmth, etc.) is [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evoked_potential Evoked Potential], the natural tendency of the brain to fire in sync with its sensory surroundings. Odds are that fire is flickering at a slow 4-12 Hz, the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theta_wave Theta] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alpha_waves Alpha] ranges associated with calm relaxation. | ||
The goal of this project is to build a device that can induce these brain wave states using flashing LEDs and pulsing audio. Many other examples of this concept are currently out in the world | The goal of this project is to build a device that can induce these brain wave states using flashing LEDs and pulsing audio. Many other examples of this concept are currently out in the world, but one example near to the hearts of many in the Maker community is the Make [http://blog.makezine.com/archive/2008/12/the_brain_machine.html Brain Machine] by [http://www.tvbgone.com/cfe_mfaire.php Mitch Altman].<br> The design goals of this model are as follows: | ||
# Soft wearable design suitable for sleeping such as a face mask. | # Soft wearable design suitable for sleeping such as a face mask. | ||
# Self programmable using a simple computer interface. | # Self programmable using a simple computer interface. | ||
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# Electronics removable for washing. | # Electronics removable for washing. | ||
The chosen platform for the electronics is the [http://www.arduino.cc/en/Main/ArduinoBoardLilyPad Lilypad Arduino] microcontroller board. After some experimentation with the open source Mitch Altman design I estimate that the ATMega328 controller will be overkill for this design, but will afford many future enhancement possibilities. | The chosen platform for the electronics is the [http://www.arduino.cc/en/Main/ArduinoBoardLilyPad Lilypad Arduino] microcontroller board. After some experimentation with the open source Mitch Altman design I estimate that the ATMega328 controller will be overkill for this design, but will afford many future enhancement possibilities. | ||
==Materials== | ==Materials== | ||
Revision as of 02:13, 16 March 2010
Summary
The most basic concept for an evoked potential device is that of a warm crackling fire: The calming effect of sitting in front of the fireplace, watching the flames flicker, hearing the crackles, and feeling the pulsing heat all in tune of the same rhythm. One of the reasons for this effect (not discounting the many other psychological associations, basic warmth, etc.) is Evoked Potential, the natural tendency of the brain to fire in sync with its sensory surroundings. Odds are that fire is flickering at a slow 4-12 Hz, the Theta and Alpha ranges associated with calm relaxation.
The goal of this project is to build a device that can induce these brain wave states using flashing LEDs and pulsing audio. Many other examples of this concept are currently out in the world, but one example near to the hearts of many in the Maker community is the Make Brain Machine by Mitch Altman.
The design goals of this model are as follows:
- Soft wearable design suitable for sleeping such as a face mask.
- Self programmable using a simple computer interface.
- Multiple programs stored on device for easy selection and playback.
- Rechargeable batteries.
- Option to plug in your portable music player and play over the pulsing beats. (reduces effectiveness but more pleasurable)
- Electronics removable for washing.
The chosen platform for the electronics is the Lilypad Arduino microcontroller board. After some experimentation with the open source Mitch Altman design I estimate that the ATMega328 controller will be overkill for this design, but will afford many future enhancement possibilities.
Materials
1 x LilyPad Arduino Mainboard SparkFun DEV-09266
1 x FTDI-based USB Arduino programmer (I have an Arduino MiniUSB which works with some minor adjustments.)
1 x LilyPad LiPower SparkFun DEV-08786
1 x LiPoly Charger - Single Cell 3.7-7V Input SparkFun PRT-00726
1 x Polymer Lithium Ion Batteries - 1000mAh SparkFun PRT-00339
1 x Spool of Conductive Thread - 234/34 4ply SparkFun DEV-08549
1 x Surface Mount Navigation Switch SparkFun COM-08184
8 x Triple Output SMD LED RGB SparkFun COM-07844
2-8 x 4.7K Ohm SMD resistors (LEDs)
2 x 2.7K Ohm SMD resistors (Audio)
2 x 1μF SMD Capacitors
1 x Stereo Headphone Jack RadioShack 274-249
1 x Cheap set of headphones
1 x Eye mask (Make Your Own)